Truth never asks for mere admirers, but for followers. Admirers can turn into followers or they can turn into traitors. Admirers are infatuated with greatness, but pull back at first sign of trouble. Admiring truth rather than following it can turn into hate, jealousy, and revenge. At first sign of danger, admirers become offended by truth and can no longer see the tranquility they seek after. True followers brave any danger. Admirers spinelessly keep themselves detached. They play it safe and run away with tails tucked in. The follower aspires with all his strength to become what he admires. When it’s dangerous to confess truth, it becomes evident who the mere admirers are and who the true followers are. When things are calm, it’s too easy to confuse admirers with followers. And admirers can themselves be deluded into thinking they are true followers.

When the going gets tough, the weak run away. And when the going gets tough, the tough hold fast to truth.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 NIRV)

Are you merely an admirer or a true follower?

(Thoughts after reading Soren Kierkegaard, ‘Followers, Not Admirers’)